Ottawa, ON, June 10, 2024 – The Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) is pleased to announce the launch of the 2025 Canada Games Women in Coaching Apprenticeship Program.

This program is a partnership of Canada’s Provincial/Territorial Coaching Representatives (PTCRs), the Canada Games Council (CGC), and the CAC. It provides the opportunity for each province and territory to send two (2) women coaches to the Canada Games in apprenticeship roles. In 2025, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador is hosting the Canada Summer Games.

“We take pride in our ongoing commitment to support apprentice coaches, a legacy that extends two decades beyond the inception of the Canada Game Apprenticeship Program at the 2005 Canada Games. Through collaborative efforts with our partners, we cultivate an environment where coaches can enhance their skills, leveraging professional development opportunities, gain invaluable experience in major national multisport games, and networking opportunities with fellow coaches, mentors, and sports leaders,” says Lorraine Lafrenière, Chief Executive Officer of the CAC.

Apprentice coaches, as integral members of their provincial/territorial teams, gain access to significant professional growth avenues that pave the way for them to attain their Competition – Development certification within the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP).

“We are looking forward to supporting this current cohort of apprentice coaches through their development leading up to the 2025 Canada Summer Games in St John’s. Each province and territory have seen the positive impact this program can have on coaches in both their professional and personal journey. We appreciate the opportunity to further develop and build upon our partnerships with provincial and territorial sport organizations.” says Nick Baker, Co-Chair of PTCRs.

Among the benefits are participation in domestic multi-sport events, guidance from a committed mentor coach, and interactions with high performance coaches from across Canada.

“We are beyond excited to welcome this promising group of coaches to the 2025 Canada Summer Games in St. John’s and continue our collaboration with the CAC through this impactful program. The Canada Games spark greatness by empowering the next generation of athletes and coaches to reach their full potential on and off the field of play. We are so proud to foster development opportunities for women in sport and to support these coaches along their journeys through Games experience,” says Kelly-Ann Paul, President and Chief Executive Officer of the CGC.

The 2025 Women in Coaching Apprentice Coaches are as follows:

Alberta
Roxanne Skoreyko, Athletics
Jazmyne Barker, Wrestling

British Columbia
Catalina Obyrne Giraldo, Diving
Kaitlyn Cameron, Softball

Manitoba
Sarah-Jane Speers, Rugby
Katie Heppner, Baseball

New Brunswick
Emily Briggs, Basketball
Rachelle LeBlanc, Baseball

Newfoundland And Labrador
Taylor Cormier, Golf
Erin Grabka, Beach Volleyball

Nova Scotia
Sherry Alexander, Athletics
Lucy Glen-Carter, Volleyball

Northwest Territories
Richelle Castillo, Basketball
Heather Coakwell, Volleyball

Nunavut
Haley Heffel, Wrestling
To be determined

Ontario
Lauryn Bons, Rugby
Hailey Dermott, Wrestling

Prince Edward Island
Mia Fradsham, Rugby
Lydia Enman, Wrestling

Quebec
Marie-Eve Landry, Swimming
Emy Bellavance, Artistic Swimming

Saskatchewan
Taylor McGregor, Athletics
Madison Garchinski, Softball

Yukon
Katie McAffee, Basketball
Taylor Phillips, Volleyball

About the Coaching Association of Canada

The Coaching Association of Canada unites stakeholders and partners in its commitment to raising the skills and stature of coaches, and ultimately expanding their reach and influence. Through its programs, the CAC empowers coaches with knowledge and skills, promotes ethics, fosters positive attitudes, builds competence, and increases the credibility and recognition of coaches. For more information, please visit www.coach.ca, follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

About the Canada Games Council

The Canada Games Council, a private, non-profit organization, is the governing body for the Canada Games. Held once every two years, alternating between winter and summer, the Canada Games represent the highest level of national competition for up-and-coming Canadian athletes. The Games have been hosted in every province at least twice since their inception in Quebec City during Canada’s Centennial in 1967. The Games are proud of their contribution to Canada’s sport development system, in addition to their lasting legacy of sport facilities, community pride and national unity. The organization of the Canada Games is made possible through the tireless dedication of local Host Societies and the contribution and support of the federal, provincial/territorial and host municipal governments.

For more information:

Andrea Johnson
Manager, Equity Programs
Coaching Association of Canada
ajohnson@coach.ca

For media inquiries:

Sarah Min
Manager, Marketing
Coaching Association of Canada
smin@coach.ca
Tel: 613.235.5000 x 2341

Courtney Pollock
Senior Advisor, Communications & Digital Media
Canada Games Council
cpollock@canadagames.ca
Tel: 613-291-6721